Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists

PROGRESS OF THE WORK

VISITS OF AMERICAN BRETHREN

IN the summer of 1882 we were encouraged by the visit of Eld. S. N. Haskell. In Christiania he attended our quarterly meeting, on which occasion eleven persons were baptized, and seventy-eight brethren and sisters took part in the ordinances. On the Sabbath he spoke of the importance of leaving all and following Jesus; on Sunday, of the proper use of the talents committed to our trust, and of the last message of mercy. He labored to arouse a greater interest in the tract and missionary work, and encouraged the brethren much. HSFM 71.3

In company with him I made a short visit to Sweden, visiting the brethren in Amot and Grythyttehed. At the latter place, Eld. Haskell spoke seven times. These meetings were well attended; the brethren were much encouraged, and promised to pay one-tenth of their earnings to sustain the mission. A Tract Society was also organized, which has been active ever since. HSFM 71.4

In the summer of 1884, Elds. Butler and Whitney made us a short visit. They came to Denmark, and found us holding a general meeting in Valsömagle, Själland. They had been delayed on their journey, and therefore attended but one day of the meeting. Each spoke once to the brethren, who were much encouraged by their presence and testimony, and although it is a slow and difficult process to speak by an interpreter, yet the truth went from heart to heart. The blessing of God was felt, and a greater interest was awakened in the work which God has committed to his people in the last days. HSFM 71.5

The next day they went on their way to Christiania. Here they held six meetings, which were well attended. The word preached was thankfully received, and seemed to make a deep impression. Many of the brethren and sisters testified to the goodness of God, and expressed their thankfulness to their brethren in America for all the help and light received from them. At this time plans were laid for the erection of a new building which should give ample room for the growth of the publishing work, and provide a large and commodious hall for meetings. HSFM 71.6

Since Eld. Butler’s return from his visit to Europe, a much deeper interest in foreign missions has been manifested by the American brethren, and the Scandinavian mission has been liberally sustained with means for the support of the laborers, and for the erection of the mission building. HSFM 71.7

While Brn. Butler and Whitney were with us, Elds. A. B. Oyen and E. G. Olsen arrived from America. The General Conference had sent them to assist in the work of this mission, and we were much encouraged by their coming. We were thankful for the protecting care of God in their behalf. The steamer on which they had first arranged for passage was wrecked, and about one hundred and thirty-five persons were lost; but our brethren had been unavoidably delayed, and thus escaped this danger. HSFM 72.1

Eld. Oyen has taken the management of the printing work, and thus I have been enabled to labor more extensively in the mission. His experience as a printer and editor has been very valuable in connection with our publishing work, and his labors as preacher and elder in the Christiania church have been a great benefit to this church. HSFM 72.2

Eld. E. G. Olsen has labored principally in Christiania, Drammen, and Laurvig. In each of these places some have embraced the present truth, and in the latter place about twenty have begun to keep the Sabbath. HSFM 72.3